Wed 3/1-Fri 3/31
Very few regions have the particular climate to produce ice wines — but northeast Ohio does. It requires grape frozen on the vine prior to fermentation, but the freeze must come before the grapes start to rot and they must be picked when the temperature is 20 degrees. Enjoy them now before climate change!!
The wineries of the Grand River Valley are offering the chance to do so with their 20th annual Grand River Valley Ice Wine Festival, a month-long celebration of these rare wines. Through March 31, each of the wineries — Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards, South River Vineyards, Cask 307 Winery, Red Eagle Distillery and Debonné Vineyards, offers ice wine samplers paired with a small bite (some sweet, some savory) for $8 at each place. Some offer special events, such as live music on weekends, as well.
You can stop at one or all of them in any order and on any days you choose (check ahead; while most are open seven days, a few are closed Monday and Tuesday). It’s up to you. They’ll just guide you! Go here for a full list of what each is offering .